Court dismisses fraud case against Ekeh, Zinox, others

An FCT High Court has dismissed a fraud case brought by the federal government against the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Leo Stan Ekeh, his wife, Chioma Ekeh and 11 others. Justice Akpan Okon Ebong, in dismissing the charge recently, held that the charge against the defendants constitutes a gross abuse of the court process and […]

An FCT High Court has dismissed a fraud case brought by the federal government against the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Leo Stan Ekeh, his wife, Chioma Ekeh and 11 others.

Justice Akpan Okon Ebong, in dismissing the charge recently, held that the charge against the defendants constitutes a gross abuse of the court process and is liable to dismissal. 

Following a complaint by Joseph Benjamin, the federal government had through a fiat to Femi Falana (SAN) filed the charge against Ekeh, his wife, Chris Eze Ozims, Oyebade Folashade, Charles Adigwe, Obilo Onuoha, Agartha Ukoha, Anya O. Anya, Femi Dosumu, Nnenna Kalu, Admas Digital Technologies Ltd, Technology Distributions Ltd and Zinox Technologies Ltd.

“One intriguing aspect of this matter is that none of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of the nominal complainant’s numerous petitions has found merit in any of his allegations against the defendants,” the judge said.

“When called upon before Senchi J. to prove his said allegations to the Court, he failed to turn up in Court. One then wonders on what premise he wants to maintain this campaign of persecution against the defendants.”

The order followed objections filed by Admas Ltd, Technology Distributions Ltd challenging the 15-count charge in number FCT/HC/CR/985/2024: the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Leo Stan Ekeh & 12 ors contending that the matter was unconstitutional and gross abuse of judicial process, and for want of jurisdiction.  

The judge, however, held that the objection against jurisdiction fails as well as the relief seeking to stop Falana from prosecuting the matter as “no rule of practice has been cited in support of same to warrant the censure sought against Mr Femi Falana SAN.”